SATURDAY, APRIL 1 -- 11:00 PM ET
After reaching the NCAA Final Four, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team was greeted like champions and heralded as heroes as the Hokies returned to Blacksburg following their incredible postseason run.Gallery: (4-1-2023) WBB: Final Four Welcome Home Reception
FRIDAY, MARCH 31 -- 10:09 PM ET
Virginia Tech women's basketball head coach Kenny Brooks and select student-athletes met with the media Friday night following the Hokies' 79-72 loss to LSU in the Final Four. The full transcript is available, while select quotes can be read below.
Head Coach Kenny Brooks
(Opening statement) "I'm extremely proud of this group, not only because of what they accomplished on the court, but how they conduct themselves on the court, how they conduct themselves in our community, and this is the best year of basketball that I've ever had in my life. It's not because of the 31 wins. It's not because of getting to the Final Four. It's because I get to coach these young ladies, and I'm so happy and proud. I love the way they respect the game. I love the way they respect their opponent. I love the way they respect their universities. I love the way they respect anybody they don't know when they come across them. I'll take that every time. No sacrifices. No sacrifices to get to anywhere, and that's who we are. That's what Virginia Tech is. That's what Virginia Tech will be. And these kids right here represent so well. So I'm the proudest coach in the country. Regardless of if I didn't get the actual prize, the fact that they love me as much as they do, that's all that matters. That's all that matters. I've been doing this too long, too long, and this is the absolute best that I've ever felt with a group. I'm proud of them. Proud of them whether they won, whether they lost. They respect everything. That's why they're going to be future leaders of tomorrow whatever they do. I promise you that. It's because they understand it, they respect it, and they will be very, very successful. So thank you."
Center Elizabeth Kitley
(On how she will remember this season) "This is my favorite team that I've been on by far. Yeah, the goal was a National Championship, but a Final Four is pretty incredible, and I'm going to remember it as that. But also just mainly this group of girls has been so fun to play with, and it's the kind of relationship that I feel like is going to carry on for however many years, and we'll always be able to look back on this season and remember how much fun we had together. I'm sure we're going to have a reunion in 50 years and be able to talk about it. So I'm looking forward to that."
Guard Georgia Amoore
(On what she thinks the legacy of this team will be) "Like just underdogs the whole year. We got the 1 seed. We won the championship, and people still didn't believe in us. People were saying we're the first team to not leave our of region, all of that. Then we had inside adversity. I think we just grew maturity-wise and set a standard for Virginia Tech basketball and like who we are as people and athletes."
Guard Kayana Traylor
(On what Coach Brooks means to her) "Everything, honestly. I think it's a two-way street as far as like we just have the ultimate respect for him, trust in him, and same, vice versa. I think, as long as you meet him halfway, like he's going to do whatever he can to put you in the best position possible, and I think that's why we're here today."
FRIDAY, MARCH 31 -- 9 P.M. ET
Tech's magical season came to an end Friday, falling to LSU 79-72. For the complete recap.
Gallery: (3-31-2023) WBB: NCAA Final Four LSU game
FRIDAY, MARCH 31 -- 8 P.M. ET
Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley is well on her way to a double-double with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Kayana Traylor has nine points and five rebounds to lead the No. 1-seeded Hokies to a 34-32 advantage over No. 3-seeded LSU at halftime at American Airlines Center Friday.
Tech put the clamps on the Tigers the last five minutes of the first half, with LSU not scoring the final 4:48 minutes in the second quarter. In that process, the Hokies went on an 11-0 run to take their first lead of the game right before half.
Offensive rebounds have been the story of the day, with Tech owning an 11-5 advantage on the offensive glass. That has led Tech to 11 second-chance points, while the Tigers have 10.
Georgia Amoore tied the 3-point NCAA Tournament record hitting two 3s in the first half to bring her total to 22.
FRIDAY, MARCH 31 -- 7 P.M. ET
The road to Dallas has taken place and now it's time for No. 1-seeded Virginia Tech women's basketball to make its mark at the Final Four.
The Hokies will face a talented LSU squad, which is a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, on Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN at American Airlines Center.
TV: The contest will be made available on ESPN, with Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo, Andraya Carter and Holly Rowe on the call.
Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.
Live Audio: Listen to the game live in our mobile app with a radio broadcast hosted by Evan Hughes and Mack McCarthy, beginning at 6:40 p.m. ET, presented by Kroger.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesWBB), Instagram (@HokiesWBB) and Facebook (@HokiesWBB).
Next Season: Be there next year to see the nationally-ranked Hokies next season. Secure your season tickets so that you don't miss out on any more moments from Tech!
FRIDAY, MARCH 31 -- 2 P.M. ET
Ahead of its matchup with LSU, the Hokies had a shootaround at American Airlines Center.
Gallery: (3-31-2023) WBB: NCAA Final Four Game 1 Shootaround
THURSDAY, MARCH 30 -- 5 P.M. ET
Tech took to the court following its press conference and open locker room Thursday to get some shots up in front of fans at the open practice at American Airlines Center.
Gallery: (3-30-2023) WBB: NCAA Final Four Open Practice Day
THURSDAY, MARCH 30 -- NOON ET
The day before its first-ever Final Four game, No. 1-seeded Virginia Tech women's basketball met with the media for a press conference. For the full transcript.
Highlights of what was said can be viewed below.
Q. Opening Statement
Kenny Brooks: It's great to be here, obviously, not just because I'm a Cowboy fan, but I'm a big fan of these kids. Watching them all year long and everything that they've gone through, their ability to stick together, their resiliency, and then their just ability to sacrifice has really gotten us to this point.
I'm very proud of their accomplishments and what they've done. There's been many that have been individual, but the biggest ones are the team goals that we've accomplished, and I'm very, very proud of them.
And I'm excited for this weekend because we feel like if we are the best version of ourselves, then we give ourselves a shot. So I'm looking forward to the opportunity.
Q. For Taylor and Liz, I'm sure you grew up watching the Final Four on TV. Given that, what is it like to actually now have arrived here?
Taylor Soule: It's pretty surreal to be here, but I think Coach says it, it's one thing to be here, it's another thing to be in the Tournament. So it's a blessing.
It's still a little bit of a fever dream, just trying to take it all in. But it's definitely really fun, and I'm happy to be here.
Elizabeth Kitley: Yeah, it's really cool because I think growing up, or even like the last few years in college, we would have our season and then it would come to an end too soon. I would enjoy watching the rest of the games, but now we're in those games, and I couldn't be more happy about that.
I'm just so excited that I get to play with these guys for a little bit longer.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 -- 9:30 P.M. ET
Dallas and the NCAA welcomed Virginia Tech and the other teams in town for the Championship festivities to a Salute Welcome Party.
Gallery: (3-29-2023) WBB: NCAA Final Four Salute Welcome
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 -- 6 P.M. ET
The Hokies practiced at SMU preparing for Friday night's Final Four game against LSU.Gallery: (3-29-2023) WBB: Final Four Practice
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 -- 1 P.M. ET
With ESPN covering the Final Four, the Worldwide Leader in Sports held a content day for the four teams in Dallas, with the Hokies partaking around lunch time. The team then had a great experience getting some cool Nike gear!
Gallery: (3-29-2023) WBB: NCAA Final Four Content Day
TUESDAY, MARCH 28 -- 9:45 P.M. ET
Moving up in the basketball world, the regional champion Virginia Tech women's basketball team, support staff, band and spirit squad moved from Seattle to Dallas, where the Hokies will play in the Final Four this weekend.
Gallery: (3-28-2023) WBB: NCAA Final Four Travel Day
TUESDAY, MARCH 28 -- 5:45 P.M. ET
Both Georgia Amoore and Elizabeth Kitley were named to the Seattle Region All-Tournament Team, while Amoore took home the honors of Most Outstanding Player.
TUESDAY, MARCH 28 -- 4:30 P.M. ET
The Hokies have not backed down from anyone so far in the tournament, and have largely held the lead for most of their games in March Madness.
In partnership with Truist, we take a look back at this past weekend, as part of the Writing HERstory series.
TUESDAY, MARCH 28 -- 8 A.M. ET
Heading to its first-ever Final Four, No. 1-seeded Virginia Tech will face No. 3-seeded LSU on Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN in Dallas at American Airlines Center.
Tickets to the game can be found here.
MONDAY, MARCH 27 -- 11:47 P.M. ET
Following its win over No. 3-seeded Ohio State, No. 1-seeded Virginia Tech met with the media for a press conference. For the full transcript.
Below are highlights for what was said.
Q. Opening statement.
Kenny Brooks: We don't mind if you want to start over and talk about their regional champion part. It had a really good ring to it.
No, I brought all my friends here, my babies. You know what? We've couldn't have gotten it done without each and every one of their efforts, their sacrifices, everything that they have done for this program. They have sacrificed so much. They drowned out outside noise, inside noise. They let it fuel them in a very positive way, and it showed tonight. We kept hearing it.
Congratulations to Ohio State. Kevin's done a tremendous job with that group. They're a lot of fun to watch. And I'll tell you what, that was a high-level basketball game, and it was a lot of fun to be a part of, and I'm sure it was a lot of fun to watch. But they hear a lot of stuff. We heard about the press, and what are you going to do. We had a couple stumbles against Tennessee, and I thought these kids, the way they focused, they locked in. We came up with a game plan. They executed it perfectly and I don't think the press was a factor all along -- all game long.
And then we had to play. You give them credit. Mikesell, she got hot early. It seemed like no one was going to miss. But then in the second half, we locked in, understood what we needed to do. The job that Kayana did on her, and Cayla, they really made it tough for her. And then we just did everything else right, did all the little things. So very proud of them, very team effort, tremendous win for this group, tremendous win for our university.
Q. Georgia, I think, first of all, we all want to know what happened when you went off the floor. But the other thing I was curious about was early in the game when they were pressing, you turned the ball over, called timeout, Coach walked out and was talking to you and, like, teaching you on the floor, I think. He was motioning you need to go on a here, we need to do this, that type of thing. Can you talk about what type of teacher he is on and off the floor.
Georgia Amoore: This man is so fit. We have individuals and he does the move and I copy it exactly. But I am definitely more of a visual learner. So for him to explain it, he played the point guard, and with like the press and all of that, I just can't -- I'm small, I have to use that to my advantage, but I also have to use just basic moves to blow by them. So that was a big part of it.
I think for the press it got a bit choppy when we started passing it too much. I really just needed to break it by dribbling through it. For the hit part, I just caught -- I don't even know what it was, in the chin, and it just knocked me off center, but I was fine. Just caught my breath.
Q. Liz and Cayla, as fourth-year Hokies, what does it mean to you to be part of the first Tech team to make the Final Four?
Elizabeth Kitley: It means everything, especially just with this group. We all come from different places, but this year we came together because we all wanted the same thing. It's so nice to be at this spot, but we know that we don't want to be done either yet because we have so much fun playing together. And that's what we talked about at one point in the timeout. We just said that we didn't want this to be our last game because we love each other so much and we have fun playing. So we're looking forward to the next one.
Kayana Traylor: Going off her, the same thing, it's just great to see how this program's improved every single year that I've been here and to be a part of a program like that just means a lot.
MONDAY, MARCH 27 -- 11:15 P.M. ET
Behind 20-point performances from Georgia Amoore and Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech defeated Ohio State 84-74 to advance to the Final Four for the first time in school history.
Gallery: (3-28-2023) WBB: Elite Eight Win over Ohio State
MONDAY, MARCH 27 -- 10 P.M. ET
A high-scoring affair has been the case so far in the Elite Eight at Climate Pledge Arena Monday night.
Four Hokies have eight or more points to lead a well-balanced attack against the No. 3-seeded Buckeyes at halftime, 48-45.
Cayla King leads Tech with 12 points off of three 3-pointers and three free throws, while Tech is shooting 55.2 percent from the field.
King spoke about how it was great seeing Georgia Amoore return to the court after having to leave for a bit due to injury.
MONDAY, MARCH 27 -- 9 P.M. ET
Heading into its Elite Eight matchup in the NCAA Tournament, No. 1-seeded Virginia Tech women's basketball will face No. 3-seeded Ohio State on Monday at 9:15 p.m. ET on ESPN at Climate Pledge Arena.
TV: The contest will be made available on ESPN, with Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo, Andraya Carter and Holly Rowe on the call.
Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.
Live Audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the matchup at HokieSports.com/Watch in the HokieSports mobile app, which features Evan Hughes (play-by-play) on the air.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesWBB), Instagram (@HokiesWBB) and Facebook (@HokiesWBB).
Next Season: Be there next year to see the nationally-ranked Hokies next season. Secure your season tickets so that you don't miss out on any more moments from Tech!
MONDAY, MARCH 27 -- 8 P.M. ET
Tech was sent off in style ahead of its game with Ohio State and arrived at Climate Pledge Arena.
Gallery: (3-27-2023) WBB: Elite Eight Sendoff and Arrival
MONDAY, MARCH 27 -- 5 P.M. ET
The Hokies got some shots up at shootaround before their clash with the Buckeyes.
Gallery: (3-27-2023) WBB: Elite Eight Shootaround
SUNDAY, MARCH 26 -- 8:30 P.M. ET
The No. 1-seeded Hokies took the court at Climate Pledge Arena to get a practice in before their tilt with No. 3-seeded Ohio State.
Gallery: (3-27-2023) WBB: NCAA Elite Eight Practice Day
SUNDAY, MARCH 26 -- 7 P.M. ET
Heading into its Elite Eight matchup with No. 3-seeded Ohio State, No. 1 Virginia Tech met with the media for a press conference. For the full transcript.
Below are some highlights of what was said.
Q. Opening Statement
Kenny Brooks: Obviously, thrilled to be here still. Very, very happy, very happy for our kids, happy for this program, just to be able to accomplish the things we've accomplished all season long, but particularly of late. The kids were able to celebrate and enjoy last night and then kind of real quickly had to shift our focus on to a different opponent.
So excited to be here, though, very happy for the kids, and it's a wonderful opportunity for our program.
Q. In terms of the challenges of Ohio State press, what do you think you need to do better against the press tomorrow than you did yesterday? And do you feel like you've seen enough pressing teams this year where it's not going to throw you too much?
Kenny Brooks: Well, I mean, every game is a preparation for the next game and so forth. We play a lot of teams in the ACC who press, just probably not to the magnitude of what Ohio State does. Their commitment to the press is very thorough. I've been watching 'em all year long. Good friends with Kevin. Just marvel at what they have been able to do, sustain. It's kind of funny, people were kind of, not ridiculing, but making a good point to tell us that we only played six yesterday, our depth. They only played seven, and they're pressing.
So it's a different animal. We're watching film. We're continuing to watch film. I think the one thing that gets overlooked, yeah, their press is really, really good, but their offense is good too. They run some really good actions. Very similar to what we run, a lot of similarities. So we can't just lock in and hone in on just the press. Their offense is good too. We got to take away some things.
But yesterday, we had -- I think we had 18 turnovers. A lot of people want to jump on that. In this day and age, 18 turnovers is not that bad, it's really not, especially how you're playing. We want to be aggressive. Yeah, we turned it over a couple times when we wouldn't -- when we shouldn't have, but that's basketball. When you're playing teams like that, some things are going to happen.
We have to make sure that we limit our live ball turnovers. Just can't give them the basketball for at least the 2 points and then they come back and press you again. It would almost be more beneficial to throw it up into the stands so we can set our defense up as opposed to giving them live ball turnovers.
Q. You guys are one win from the Final Four. What's kind of the mentality, the mindset, of the team today now that you're this close to the Final Four and the fact that UConn is not the team standing in your way?
Georgia Amoore: Ohio State is still a very good team, so I mean, UConn or not, we're still playing a very talented team and as we will if we continue to win. The mindset for us hasn't changed, though. It's one game at a time and just giving it our all every game.
Cayla King: We didn't come this far to just make it this far, so we're just, again, taking it one game at a time and hopefully continue on to Dallas.
SUNDAY, MARCH 26 -- 8 A.M. ET
Marking its first time ever competing in the Elite Eight, No. 1-seeded Virginia Tech women's basketball will face No. 3-seeded Ohio State for a trip to the Final Four in Dallas.
The Hokies (30-4) and Buckeyes (28-7) will play on Monday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena.
Tech won the only matchup in series history, 81-73, on Dec. 21, 2018 in the West Palm Invitational.
In the game before the Hokies and Lady Vols, Ohio State defeated UConn (31-6), 73-61, thanks to its full-court press that caused havoc and forced the Huskies into 25 turnovers. Look for the Buckeyes to continue the press on Monday, with the Lady Vols doing their fair share Friday against Tech.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 -- 9:32 P.M. ET
Following its Sweet 16 victory over Tennessee, Virginia Tech women's basketball met with the media for a press conference. For the full transcript.
Below are some highlights.
Q. Opening statement?
Kenny Brooks: Very gratifying win. I think the biggest thing I can take away from this game is that I'm so happy for these kids. Proud is -- we're always going to be proud of 'em, but I'm so happy for 'em. All their stories are different, but Liz and I talk quite a bit and this time last year she just wanted to get to this point and we watched NC State get here. We talked about getting to this level. Now we're ACC champions and now we're going to the Elite 8, and so, so happy for her and the hard work she put in.
Kayana Traylor, she came here for this reason. Sacrificed so much. She was an All Big Ten performer, wanted to come here because she wanted to be a part of a winning program, and she's helped elevate us to this level. Taylor Soule's situation is more recent. Sacrificed a lot. She was an All ACC performer, still is, but she sacrificed a lot of her points and stuff to come here and win games like this.
So very happy. For us to go out and win and beat a storied program like Tennessee for the second time this year, it just validates who we are and what we've been able to do this year. These kids are resilient, and I love their character because they don't need things to motivate them, but they also are very knowledgeable about things. I think they all saw the article that was on ESPN, is this the next chapter of Tennessee and UConn. They didn't have to say a whole lot, but it just really motivated them and they understand that they belong as well.
We might not have as much history as those programs, but these kids are helping to build our history with our program. So very happy for everyone involved. I thought they played well. It got a little dicey, but we did a tremendous job.
Q. Is Georgia not here because she's shooting more threes on the on the floor? To coach's point, no Tennessee, UConn's out, Stanford fell early, Notre Dame fell. Do the three of you feel like this is a new chapter in women's basketball and a new time?
Kayana Traylor: In general, this year there's been a discussion about parity in women's basketball, even on the men's side. So, yeah, I definitely think, regardless of who we play, like, they're going to be good. Whoever is left is good. They're here for a reason. So, yeah.
Q. Taylor, this question is for you. They cut it to one and they were -- they had the press going. What happened after that in terms of how you guys responded? How do you feel about how you responded after that?
Taylor Soule: I think, obviously, made some mistakes and you're never going to play a perfect game, and so cleaning those things up for next game. But I'm just proud of us for never giving up. Georgia did a great job breaking the press, but honestly, it was a team effort. We never got down on ourselves. We knew it was just next play. Once we got the ball across the floor just executing on offense. So I'm proud of the team.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 -- 8:45 P.M. ET
Advancing to the Elite 8 for the first time in program history, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball defeated No. 4 Tennessee 73-64 on Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena in the NCAA Tournament.
Tech got a huge performance from guard Georgia Amoore, who finished with a career-high 29 points.
Tech will face No. 3 Ohio State on Monday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Gallery: (3-26-2023) WBB: NCAA Sweet 16 vs. Tennessee
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 -- 7:30 P.M. ET
Holding No. 4 Tennessee to just nine points in the second quarter, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball holds a 13-point lead at halftime in the Sweet 16 at Climate Pledge Arena, 35-22.
Guard Georgia Amoore has stolen the show so far, owning a game-high 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. She has hit three triples, including one from 26 feet out.
Tech has forced eight Lady Vols turnovers and is outscoring them in the paint 16-10.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 -- 6 P.M. ET
The Hokies have arrived to Climate Pledge Arena ahead of their matchup with the Lady Vols.
Gallery: (3-25-2023) WBB: NCAA Sweet 16 Send-Off and Arrival
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 -- 3 P.M. ET
The Virginia Tech women's basketball team took the floor at Climate Pledge Arena to get shots up before its Sweet 16 matchup with Tennessee.
Gallery: (3-25-2023) WBB: NCAA Sweet 16 Shootaround
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 -- 8 A.M. ET
Heading into its Sweet 16 matchup in the NCAA Tournament, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball will face No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 at Climate Pledge Arena.
TV: The contest will be made available on ESPN2, with Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo, Andraya Carter and Holly Rowe on the call.
Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.
Live Audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the matchup at HokieSports.com/Watch in the HokieSports mobile app, which features Evan Hughes (play-by-play) on the air.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesWBB), Instagram (@HokiesWBB) and Facebook (@HokiesWBB).
Next Season: Be there next year to see the nationally-ranked Hokies next season. Secure your season tickets so that you don't miss out on any more moments from Tech!
FRIDAY, MARCH 24 -- 6 P.M. ET
Ahead of its matchup with No. 4 Tennessee, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball met with the media for a press conference on Friday. For the full transcript.
Below are some highlights of what was said.
Q. Opening statement:
Kenny Brooks: Obviously, we're thrilled to be here. I think we deserved to be here. The kids have done a tremendous job all year long, been extremely resilient and just really inventing themselves and reinventing themselves when they had to.
But it's one of the most enjoyable seasons that I've ever had just because of the kids' ability to adapt. They work hard, they play hard, very professional in what they do. So good road to get here, tough road to get here. We've been playing extremely well as of late. It's been a lot of fun watching them grow, and hopefully we'll be able to continue it.
We know we have an extremely tough opponent in Tennessee, which we are somewhat familiar with after playing them early December. It's kind of crazy because we played them more than we played some of the ACC teams in our league in the last year. But it's been great for us, great preparation, but we're looking forward to tomorrow.
Q. I want to ask you, being a Virginia guy, right, you're born in Virginia, you played at JMU, you've coached JMU, VMI, now Virginia Tech. What would it mean to you to get this program to its first Elite 8 ever and how much would it mean to the state and just your background?
BROOKS: I mean, a lot. I am a Virginia guy. It's kind of crazy, I almost have 30 years in the Virginia retirement system just because everywhere I've worked it's been within a two-hour radius. I've never been afraid to venture away, but it just seems like everything that was happening to me and for me was right in this area in the commonwealth.
So, very proud. I grew up watching teams -- players from the Valley, Ralph Sampson is a good friend of mine, Dell Curry is a good friend of mine, both of them are Valley guys who represented two of the state programs in Virginia. I always had pride for schools in Virginia, and I've been very fortunate to have opportunities in the state. But also I take that very personal and I want to bring a lot of good things to the programs I represent. I've been fortunate enough to be able to do that. Just the way that it's happened, but it's a really cool story and really something I'm very prideful of.
THURSDAY, MARCH 23 -- 9 P.M. ET
Virginia Tech women's basketball has been able to make the most of its trip so far to the Pacific Northwest, grabbing lunch at Seattle's iconic Public Market, getting a practice in and then finishing the day at the Space Needle.
Gallery: (3-23-2023) WBB: NCAA Sweet 16 Day 1 in Seattle
Gallery: (3-24-2023) WBB: NCAA Practice and the Space Needle
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 -- 4 P.M. ET
Virginia Tech Athletics Department staff and volleyball team send off women's basketball on their way to the airport for their trip to Seattle.
Gallery: (3-22-2023) WBB: NCAA Sweet 16 Send-Off!
TUESDAY, MARCH 21 -- 2 P.M. ET
We take a look back at this past weekend, which saw numerous records fall for the Hokies.
There was a good mix of team records and individual records. For more on the iconic weekend.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21 -- 8 A.M. ET
No. 1 Virginia Tech will face No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena.
The two played each other earlier this season in Knoxville and the Hokies won the game 59-56.
SUNDAY, MARCH 19 -- 8:02 P.M. ET
Following its second-round win in the NCAA Tournament, Virginia Tech met with the media for a press conference.
For some highlights of what was said, view below. For the full transcript.
Q. Opening Statement
Kenny Brooks: So proud of these kids. So proud of this program. I was just doing radio, and full-circle moment when the very first game that I ever coached as a head coach on the women's side, it was in this building, and I was at James Madison, and we played against Bonnie Henrickson's team, and we lost in overtime.
I remember after the game, Coach Beamer, who I didn't know at the time, obviously he's a legend, he told me, he said, "good game, young fella," and that meant the world to me just because he spoke to me. In a full-circle moment, Coach Beamer is out there telling me what a great program we have right now and how much he enjoys watching and how proud of these kids he is.
To be able to get this group, this program to this level is very, very special, and I couldn't do it without these young ladies.
Great game. I thought we played really well. South Dakota State, tremendous ballclub, very well-coached, disciplined. They're tough. We knew we were going to have our hands full, but the kids came out, got off to a great start. Didn't finish the way we wanted to, but it's very gratifying to be able to get to this point.
Q. What does it mean to have helped this program get to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999?
Georgia Amoore: Yeah, it means the absolute world. Obviously when we started this year, Sweet 16 was the goal, amongst ACC championship, and I just think it's great that we've accomplished all of that, but the tournament and the job really isn't done, so I'm excited to get to Seattle and still play some games and keep moving.
Elizabeth Kitley: Oh, yeah, same. That's just what we had been saying was one of our big goals this year. So for us to have done it for the program and just for my teammates and coaches, it just means everything. But yeah, we definitely feel like we can go farther, so we're looking forward to it.
SUNDAY, MARCH 19 -- 7:01 P.M. ET
Virginia Tech is headed to the Sweet 16!
The top-seeded Hokies fended off a valiant comeback from No. 9 South Dakota State and earned a 72-60 win to book their ticket to Seattle for the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament regional.
Georgia Amoore led all scorers with 21 points while Elizabeth Kitley added 14 points and 14 rebounds for her 21st double-double of the season.
Gallery: (3-19-2023) WBB: NCAA Second Round vs. SDSU
SUNDAY, MARCH 19 -- 5:48 P.M. ET
Hitting eight 3-pointers in the first half, No. 1 Virginia Tech leads No. 9 South Dakota State 46-23 at halftime at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Georgia Amoore and Cayla King both hit three 3-pointers to combine for 18 of Tech's 46 points.
Defensively, Elizabeth Kitley totaled two blocks to push her past Ieva Kublina for 258 in her career to lock up the No. 1 all-time spot at Tech.
SUNDAY, MARCH 19 -- 4 P.M. ET
Heading into its second round game of the NCAA Tournament, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball will face No. 9 South Dakota State on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2 at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum.
TV: The contest will be made available on ESPN2, with Angel Gray (play-by-play) and Helen Williams (analyst) on the call.
Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.
Live Audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the matchup at HokieSports.com/Watch in the HokieSports mobile app, which features Evan Hughes (play-by-play) and Mack McCarthy (analyst) on the air.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesWBB), Instagram (@HokiesWBB) and Facebook (@HokiesWBB).
Next Season: Tickets for the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament may have sold out, but you can still secure your seats to see the nationally-ranked Hokies next season. Secure your season tickets so that you don't miss out on any more moments from Tech!
SUNDAY, MARCH 19 -- 3:30 P.M. ET
Arriving to the Merryman Athletic Center ahead of its matchup with Chattanooga, Virginia Tech women's basketball was welcomed by Hokie Nation.
Gallery: (3-19-2023) WBB: Hokie Walk arrival vs. SDSU
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 -- 4:49 P.M. ET
Before its matchup with No. 9 South Dakota State, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball met with the media for a press conference.
For some highlights of what was said, view below. For the full transcript.
Q. What has the past couple hours been like for you in terms of scout and what sticks out to you about South Dakota State and how amped are you to play in front of a sold out crowd?
Georgia Amoore: During practice we went through the plays. The fundamentally sound. They have a few girls -- they're very persistent in their actions, strong, tough. A lot of it was just getting familiar with the plays and going back over them later.
Kayana Traylor: A lot of what Georgia said, but I think our big focus is just ourselves really. We are just going to play our game and make them play to us rather than vice versa.
Q. South Dakota State seems to have no fear. They have played good teams this year. They have beaten good teams this year. How much is that something you need to really impress upon your kids?
KENNY BROOKS: I don't think I need to impress it upon them. They can see it for own their own selves. They know that South Dakota State is a really good basketball team. I don't think, you know, Aaron and his group are fighting for respectability. They have been here for a long time. People who know, know that they're a very good program. They're competitors, compete, play hard, disciplined, play fundamentally good basketball.
So our kids understand it. They know that they're not just going to be able to, you know, walk through anything regardless of what the number is beside you. And the teams that are left are always going to be good. So they're not overlooking them. They know if we are going to win the basketball game, we are going to have to play extremely well, play hard and play disciplined basketball.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 -- 10:49 P.M. ET
No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball will face No. 9 South Dakota State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Tickets for the second-round game in Blacksburg sold out earlier this week.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 -- 8:02 P.M. ET
Following its first-round win over No. 16 Chattanooga, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball met with the media for a postgame press conference.
For some highlights of what was said, view below. Full transcript can be found here.
Head coach Kenny Brooks
Opening statement:
"Hard game obviously going against a good friend of yours, somebody who really helped you build this program. Emotions were -- it was a little bit weird. I guess it was kind of a little bit weird all the way around.
You're playing in Cassell, and some of the things you're used to in Cassell, you're not able to do. But we had to adjust.
Give them credit. They came out, they were scrappy, they played hard. We were a little bit rusty, which I felt like we were going to be, 12-day layoff, kids in and out of the lineup.
But it's always good to get a win to start everything and then to keep it going. The old adage is survive and advance. We want to be a little bit better than that. But we were fortunate to be able to get a win today."
Guard Georgia Amoore
On the crowd tonight:
"It's not like they just filled the seats. It was really loud. It honestly makes a difference to the game, like free throws and everything like that. The stadium was literally shaking."
Center Elizabeth Kitley
On the chemistry between her and Amoore:
"I think we just know that we need to be outlets for each other. She gets pressured a lot of times, and she needs a little break. Then sometimes if the pressure's on me, I know that she's going to be there moving to be open.
That just benefits both of us. So the more we can make them pay for that, then the harder it will be to take us away."
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 -- 7:19 P.M. ET
Behind a game-high 22 points from Georgia Amoore, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team defeated Chattanooga 58-33 to advance to the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.
Gallery: (3-17-2023) WBB: NCAA First Round vs. Chattanooga
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 -- 6:25 P.M. ET
Jumping out to a double-digit lead at halftime to start its NCAA Tournament run, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball leads Chattanooga 31-16 at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum on Friday.
Center Elizabeth Kitley almost has a double-double, owning 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds, while guard Georgia has a team-high 13 points and two assists.
Amoore made three 3-pointers in the first half, including her 97th career triple to give her the most 3s made in a single season by a Hokie.
Tech is owning the paint, outscoring the Mocs 14-6 down low and is capitalizing off of Chattanooga miscues, recording a 11-5 points off turnovers differential.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 -- 5 P.M. ET
After not playing a game for 11 days, No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball is finally back at it and will face No. 16 Chattanooga on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the friendly confines of Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum.
TV: The contest will be made available on ESPNU, with Angel Gray (play-by-play) and Helen Williams (analyst) on the call.
Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.
Live Audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the matchup at HokieSports.com/Watch in the HokieSports mobile app, which features Evan Hughes (play-by-play) and Mack McCarthy (analyst) on the air.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesWBB), Instagram (@HokiesWBB) and Facebook (@HokiesWBB).
Next Season: Tickets for the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament may have sold out, but you can still secure your seats to see the nationally-ranked Hokies next season. Secure your season tickets so that you don't miss out on any more moments from Tech!
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 -- 3:30 P.M. ET
Arriving to the Merryman Athletic Center ahead of its matchup with Chattanooga, Virginia Tech women's basketball was welcomed by Hokie Nation.
The Marching Virginians played their instruments, as the team got out of their golf carts and walked through a tunnel made by Tech fans.
Football head coach Brent Pry and his staff were also in attendance, wishing the team good luck before its game at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
Gallery: (3-17-2023) WBB: Hokie Walk Arrival
THURSDAY, MARCH 16 -- 4:30 P.M. ET
Take a deeper look into the matchup between the Hokies and Mocs, which entails a friendship revisited between both head coaches.
THURSDAY, MARCH 16 -- 1:42 P.M. ET
No. 1 Virginia Tech women's basketball took to the podium on Thursday to preview its matchup with No. 16 Chattanooga in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
For the full transcription.
Q. For the players, for the last few years, this has been the goal, not a 1 seed but to get to host in the NCAA Tournament. What does it mean to have accomplished this goal and have you started kind of visualizing what it might be like tomorrow to be playing in front of a full house for this NCAA Tournament?
Georgia Amoore: Yeah, definitely looking forward to it because obviously Cassell is sold out and to have that type of crowd for any women's event is absolutely incredible. But obviously hosting was a goal and I'm glad that we achieved that. But in the grand scheme of things, we still have a lot more to try and achieve.
Elizabeth Kitley: Yeah, I think hopefully we can just carry over the momentum that we had at the end of the regular season because we had a lot of support from Hokies fans. So hopefully, like she said, like it's sold out so everyone will show up and it'll be a really cool environment.
Taylor Soule: Yeah, I'm excited. This is my first tournament experience at all really, so to do it with a great team, I'm excited, and to have the opportunity to play in front of great fans, so I'm excited for tomorrow.
Gallery: (3-16-2023) WBB: NCAA Tournament Practice Day
THURSDAY, MARCH 16 -- 12:30 P.M. ET
Athletic director Whit Babcock regularly speaks to his athletic department personnel about this mantra of moving from a challenger brand to a champion brand, and Virginia Tech women's basketball is carrying that flag, as we speak.
For how the program became this elite basketball team that is feared across the country.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 -- 4 P.M. ET
Elizabeth Kitley, a household name in women's college basketball, picked up three awards Wednesday, including being named a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American and All-America honors from the United States Basketball Writers of America (USBWA) and the Associated Press (AP).
Georgia Amoore also earned an honor from the AP, receiving honorable mention.
TUESDAY, MARCH 14 -- 3 P.M. ET
Hosting three other schools in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, let's take a look at the field playing in Blacksburg this weekend, including top-seeded Virginia Tech, No. 8 USC, No. 9 South Dakota State and No. 16 Chattanooga.
TUESDAY, MARCH 14 -- 9 A.M. ET
Reflecting on what was an incredible regular season and ACC Tournament run, in partnership with Truist, a Writing HERstory feature dives deep into an unforgettable season to date.
MONDAY, MARCH 13 -- 3:14 P.M. ET
Both all-session and single session tickets to NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament first and second round games in Blacksburg have sold out.
Hokie Scholarship Fund donors and season ticket holders had access to an exclusive presale earlier this morning before going on sale to the general public at 2 p.m.
Season tickets are on sale now for Tech's upcoming 2023-24 campaign. Starting at just $80, season tickets guarantee the same seat for every home game and offer significant savings when compared to single game tickets.
MONDAY, MARCH 13 -- NOON ET
After learning it had earned a No. 1 seed and the right to host first and second round NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament games in Blacksburg, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team learned of its first game time on the road to the Final Four.
The Hokies will take on No. 16 seed Chattanooga at 5:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 17. That contest will air on ESPNU.
Approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of that contest, eighth-seeded USC and No. 9 South Dakota State will take the floor at Cassell Coliseum. That game can be seen on ESPNEWS.
The winners of both games will play for a spot in the Sweet 16 on Sunday, March 19 (game time TBD).Gallery: (3-12-2023) WBB: 2023 NCAA Tournament Selection Show